This website is no longer being maintained, for information about Sensei Wasyl Kolesnikov and Aikido in Oldham please follow the link.

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Understanding Some Of The Aims And Principles Behind The Kolesnikov’s School Of Mind And Body Development With Aikido

Due to past articles and conversations with various people, it has become apparent that people would like to know more about your philosophy and style. What is it that is unique about your style?

Because of the articles, people from around Britain (and the Ukraine, where I also have a centre and some more clubs) have wanted to come to my lessons and courses. From the pictures, people could see that the Aikido and mind and body development which I teach is dynamic. Also from the words, they could sense that there is a power, and yet a caring attitude towards fellow students.

What is unique about this style is that students are taught and encouraged to help each other all the time.

A beginner to me is like a little seed, which one plants in good soil (knowledge), lovingly nurture the seed with the right amount of water, sunshine and temperature (attitude, information, example and encouragement). Until the seed matures and grows into a beautiful flower (until the student expresses themselves naturally and becomes a high grade or teacher).

Sometimes when a student joins a club, instead of feeling nurtured and developed, they feel like the seed which has been planted – then someone tramples all over them.

The higher grade usually has more knowledge, power and experience than the lower grade, so it is not necessary to put undue pain on the lower grade. When the pain is enough (not all moves are painful) the student taps the mat or themselves, and the move stops. As the student gets stronger, they can take more pressure, and it takes longer for them to tap. Done correctly, the painful moves actually stimulate the joints and body, and make it more supply, stronger and healthier. If these moves are done wrong, or with aggression, then they can damage the joints which can lead to other problems.

When we do throwing techniques, we throw back to the student following the natural bend of the arms and bodies. Also when we throw – as in projections, we let go of the student so that they can roll smoothly. The better a student can roll, the further they can be thrown. 15 to 20 feet is a usual distance for big throws. We only throw to the capability of the student, be it 2 feet or 22 feet. Because a student rolls smoothly (which they are taught to do) there is little to no trauma on the body.

Words such as Ki, harmony, power, lightness, softness etc are explained and shown in stages through practice, gradings, talks and socials. So that people have a more complete understanding of the art and its principles.

The system is looked on as a health system, so that when you come off the mat you feel good, and you are more able to use it in your everyday life. Not for the once in a blue moon when you may or may not fight, also there are no guarantees that you will win.

Although it is a health system, the techniques are still practised powerfully and I have never had any complaints.

Most people who have not trained in any style, including mind and body development as a main part of their ‘art’ believe that Ki Energy is a mystical magical myth, and do not know how to develop these skills. Can you explain in more detail how to develop these skills?

In some ways ‘Ki’ is mystical and magical and becomes expressed in the physical / material realm.

It is like asking what makes the heart beat? If we look at the heart as only a physical pump going day in and day out, getting blood and nutrients to every single capillary and blood vessel in the system for up to an average of 80 years, then it does not make much sense. Because as a physical mechanical pump it would not be possible. Also it is a very limiting view. If we looked beyond the physical heart and imagined some energy powering it (something akin to nuclear power or more), then this would make sense on how the heart can keep going for such long periods.

Ki (Japanese) has only two letters, yet it can be everything in the seen and unseen world and universe. To look beyond the physical material world, you need an open and enquiring mind. Also we need to understand that things are possible even though we may not understand them at that time.

Ki is a gradual and continual understanding. We can never say ‘I know it all’, as that would limit Ki. As we progress in our understanding of Ki through ‘inner development’ as taught in the Dynamic Relaxation and Aikido classes, we can see and experience for ourselves that what looks impossible, actually becomes possible. Breathing, meditation, Ki exercises in static and moving positions and Aikido principles are all ways of studying and experiencing ‘Ki’. Aikido means :- The Way Of Harmony With Ki.

There are many people who talk about Ki, even in Aikido, but I know that they do not, or cannot study Ki. Just to do one or two Ki exercises from time to time, is not studying Ki.

The Ki system was developed by Koichi Tohei 10th Dan. It is a system which can be developed step by step. Also you can be graded in Ki understanding by at least three stages.

To develop Ki knowledge as taught in the Kolesnikov’s School, you would have to attend Dynamic Relaxation classes. But to give you an idea of some of the four main principles which are used:

1. Keep concentration of the one point 2 inches below the navel
2. Relax the whole system completely (but not in a floppy state)
3. Keeping the weight naturally underside
4. Keep your Ki energy extended

By using these principles as a base, we can begin building on them indefinitely, and in varied and interesting ways.

What are the benefits of ‘Ki’ development in daily life?

In daily life people usually go about their days with their minds and energies quite scattered, so they are only using a small portion of the power which they actually have. Also because of the way they look at life means that they look on many things as problems, which can create a lot of stress, which in turn can lead to illness and dis – ease.

The Ki development exercises help to focus a person's mind and energies, so that they can work with their whole power and have more energy, power and calmness to deal with whatever comes at them. Also people learn to think and see more clearly.

On the mat when a test is given, the test is like a problem. If the person is focused and co-ordinated then they will pass the test (problem). If they do something wrong:- they tense up, loose co-ordination etc. then they will be easily moved (disturbed). So through tests (problems) on the mat, the student learns to be calm, relaxed and powerful under pressure, which by habit, becomes a more natural state. Then this can stay with them when they are dealing with problems (tests) in daily life. In the dojo they can see that they get more powerful by passing the tests. So off the mat they can also get more powerful by dealing with problems (tests). While training, if they make a mistake then they know that it is no big deal, and they try again till they pass the test. Taking this attitude with them into life helps them not to worry if they make a mistake. Then they have more perseverance and determination to succeed in whatever they do. Also life becomes much more interesting.

In relation to Ki development how do you develop healing energy and skills?

If a person is healthy and happy, we can say that they are 100%. If a person is not well for any reason, we can say that they are below 100%. By developing ones ‘inner power’ and Ki (energy) we can say that we have over 100%. So what are we going to do with this extra power and energy?

Some people could apply it to aggression, or in some other destructive way.

We choose to use our power and energy in a constructive and creative way as in healing, helping others in any creative way such as crafts, sports and any other way which can make life interesting and enjoyable.

When people are not well we can extend our energy into the person to help stimulate their own system. It is something like recharging a battery. As the persons own energy gets stronger, in effect – they heal themselves. We act as a kind of a boost. Also we can work with meditation, breathing, Ki exercises and stretching exercises. We work with the whole person, not just the symptoms. It is important for the person to do some work for themselves, as it is their responsibility to be well, and not the person healing them.

People are encouraged to go through the usual channels such as a doctor, hospitals etc. When people have done all this and no answer or solution has been found, they look for an alternative, I am just one of many alternative practitioners.

As a healer, it is important to keep one’s own energy high with breathing, meditation, Ki exercises, stretching, training and have a good attitude.

If people do not do these things, then they should not attempt healing as done in the Kolesnikov’s School. This is because they will deplete their own energy and could become worse than the person whom they are treating.

Martial arts can be very creative and positive if we wish to follow this way.

From a novices view, looking at your style, how can they differentiate it from another Aikido club?

In the Kolesnikov’s School one would see and hear quiet rolls instead of hard noisy break falls. People throw each other in such a way that it does not damage the joints. The idea is to throw or immobilise the student with ‘Ki’ and skill, and not just with pain. We wish to develop calmness, power and confidence (not fear and pain). There is a good feeling in the Dojo. People try to work together, no matter which grades they work with (thus gaining greater experience). People see the beauty, grace and power in the movements. People move lightly (yet powerfully) and do not make a noise by sliding their feet.

To watch a practice would not be enough to make an opinion. A person would need to try at least one practice to get a good idea of what is happening. Also to see if it is what they are looking for.

What is the benefit of training with weapons such as the Jo (wooden stick), Bokken (wooden sword) and Tanto (wooden knife)?

From my point of view, there are many benefits of training with weapons. My own students need to have passed their Green belts before they can train with weapons, study healing and other deeper parts of the art. By this time they will have a reasonable foundation from which to work from. Everything I do and teach is looked on from a Ki / Energy point of view.

Weapons are an extension of the body, so the Ki is naturally extending to a further point. Each weapon is a skill in itself and can take a long time to be proficient.

Sometimes people say “there are no attacks in Aikido”, I have never understood this statement. Yes, Aikido is a defensive art, but without an attack, how can we defend?

So with and without weapons we learn to attack powerfully so that we know that our defence works correctly.

Each weapon is different, so many skills are learned. One’s calmness will also change depending on the weapon used. You can practice on your own with a weapon and get a nice flowing movement especially with the Jo. Your perception of distance also changes depending on which weapon is being used.

Is it a skill which takes much time? Does it lead students into a false sense of security by thinking they can disarm a weapon wielding assailant?

Weapon training is developed as an extension of Aikido training. Some Aikido styles teach weapons and some do not. In this style, I do teach weapons, but my aims may be slightly different to other styles.

Yes it can take time to develop a good skill in weapons training. You learn how to have a calm and powerful posture. You learn to cut properly and effectively. You get used to handling weapons and become familiar with them. In this system you also learn about Ki development with weapons. Like any skill, practise makes perfect. By learning to attack and defend with and against weapons, you can get an idea of what is, and what is not possible.

On the mat you study slowly at first, then gradually increasing speed and power as your confidence grows. If one was attacked off the mat with or without a weapon, you have to decide if you can handle the situation or not.

Life is full of choices, and you never know the end result until you make your decision. The best fighter in the world will not always win, and the worst fighter will not always loose.

In your style of Aikido there are many nerve locks, does it take a great knowledge and skill to develop these? Also does a serious student need to study anatomy to a certain extent?

Locks like Nikkyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo etc. do require a lot of knowledge (as do all techniques) to do them properly, efficiently and effectively. There are many points to put together. First you learn the mechanics of the move, then you learn to work with Ki. By learning slowly and calmly at first, you can relax into the lock and take more pressure before tapping. As skill, confidence and power grows, you are able to take more pressure before tapping. Done this way, it is also beneficial for the student's joints and body.

If people just snap these movements on, then the student will fall quickly, but will not be able to take much pressure. Snapping movements in general are not very beneficial for the body.

For me, the skill is to be powerful and effective when doing the moves slowly – let us say first gear. If I speed up to third or more gears, the same moves become very dangerous. Unless my partner is well trained and able to react the right way to the move.

The study of anatomy may be helpful to some individuals who like to know the ins and outs of everything (although this can be a hindrance to free flowing training), but personally I do not think that it really matters. There are students who come to classes who are already nurses or proficient first aiders, and I find that they make the same mistakes as everybody else.
The anatomy of Ki (energy) would be much more useful, and this is what is actually taught and developed.

This question was asked by a student who was a Police Officer trained in self defence and was a jujitsu instructor. He said that this art allegedly derives from Aikido, and an Aikido based instructor. The Home Office use a direct line of defence for quickness in learning, and in order to not cause an aggressive reaction to members of the public they serve. Do you think that you could develop an effective easy learning system for security services? Or is it a fake belief that training an untrained officer a few days a year with no martial arts knowledge is a fake sense of security or an impossibility?

Yes I could develop an effective, easy learning system for security services, but the emphasis would be on some Ki development, smoothness of technique and attitude. In order for the technique to be useful and effective, people would need to train regularly throughout the year so that they could maintain a realistic standard. Or if they supplemented their training with other martial arts which they may be doing.

A few days training a year is not very realistic and it does not give people the right habits to make the right responses in unexpected situations. In this kind of situation if something happens, people usually resort to what they knew before their training.

For all the training which the Police Officer did he still wanted to supplement it by doing this kind of Aikido, he knew that it was powerful yet subtle and harmonious. The qualities one learns here can benefit any art or sport.

Rather than for me to go to teach the security services, I would prefer it if they came to my established classes and take from them what they need – it may even help them in their life too.

There would be no limitation on what I taught them, and they would have a better and deeper understanding of how things work.

With a little training, people can get a false sense of security.

To me, some knowledge is better than no knowledge, but regular training programmes are important to maintain good standards.

What would be your advice to ladies who want to learn an effective art, but do not have much time to learn, or do not want to go to a ‘macho’ aggressive martial art?

If ladies or anyone wants to learn a smooth yet powerful martial art, then the Ki development and Aikido taught in the Kolesnikov’s School is ideal for them. The Ki development will show them that they are much more powerful than they think they are. They will also gain more confidence in all that they do, they will have more stability and a focused mind. These and other qualities will be applied to the Aikido to make it a very effective art.

The movements of Aikido are very smooth, graceful and powerful. Women tend to naturally move smoother than men. It is the men who have more problems with smoothness. The natural qualities of women are ideally suited to Aikido.

We have seen a change in male and female attitudes in the last decade or two, where females attend more training functions than males, mainly aerobics etc. Males have appeared to shy away from martial arts and fitness training in comparison to ladies. Can you think of a reason for this, or are you not aware of any such changes in your clubs?

My own thoughts on this matter arethat there appears to be more people generally taking up sports, keep fit and martial arts. Women appear to favour more the keep fit classes like aerobics, step ups also yoga, Tai Chi and dancing.

Men tend to favour sports like football, rugby, also weights, circuit training, running and swimming.

In my experience of martial arts, usually it is mostly men who practice. More women are coming along now to classes, if they are on their own.

It is helpful for women to see other woman practise, this helps them to stay. If new women come along and see only men practising, then sometimes this puts them off and they do not continue. This can create a catch 22 situation where women do not practice because they see no other women at that time. A woman teacher can be very helpful in this kind of circumstance.

In most of my clubs there are women who practice. In fact the eldest lady is 72 years old.

In Manchester where two of my students teach there is quite a good mixture of women and men. Both Jon and Sarah are 3rd Dans and are very experienced teachers. They have their own centre and are also linked with the Universities.

Why people do or do not go to various classes, I do not know. What I do know, is that it is an ongoing job to find ways of letting people know that the art exists and to find ways of getting people to come onto the mat to experience for themselves what it is all about.

The people who do practice appear to enjoy themselves and get a lot from their training. So I would imagine that many more people could enjoy themselves and get many benefits like calmness under pressure, power of mind, relaxation, suppleness in body and mind, harmony, stability, meditation, breathing and a very useful method of self defence. If only they would come to the class and try some lessons.

They have little to loose, but a lot to gain.

Can students or interested parties get in touch with you by telephone or at any of the clubs?

If people know how to get to the clubs then that would be a good way. They could either watch or participate. To participate would be better so that they could actually feel what is going on, then we could takes things from there. If they wanted to contact me directly, then it would be better by letter (with a S.A.E please), then I could give details to them directly.

My club in Swindon has set up a website for me at www.swindon-ksmbda.org.uk/Ki art.

I actually do lecture / workshops in Ki Development (developing the ‘inner self’) and in Aikido.

So if any groups or organisations are interested in a one off, or introductory course/ seminar, then please let me know as something can be arranged. This is for any area whatsoever.

My last thought is that if you do not try, you will never know.

If you have any questions, or if you want to know Sensei Kolesnikov's postal address, please click on the email address link below.